Aurora
Aurora viewing guides, Kp forecasts, HF impact during geomagnetic storms, and aurora scatter on VHF.
What Is STEVE? The Mysterious Purple Arc and Its Significance for Radio
STEVE is a narrow purple arc seen during geomagnetic storms — not an aurora. Discover what it is, why it excites scientists, and what it means for HF radio.
advancedSubstorms vs. Geomagnetic Storms: What Every Radio Operator Should Know
Magnetospheric substorms and geomagnetic storms are distinct events with different radio effects. Learn to distinguish them and use each for VHF aurora scatter.
intermediateAurora Australis and Ham Radio: Southern Hemisphere Radio Effects
Aurora australis causes the same HF degradation and VHF scatter as northern aurora — but affects VK, ZL, and ZS operators. Learn thresholds, paths, and timing.
advancedThe OVATION Aurora Model: How DXRadar Predicts Aurora Visibility
How NOAA's OVATION model uses DSCOVR solar wind data to nowcast the auroral oval every minute, and how to read its probability output for ham radio use.
beginnerThe May 2024 G5 Superstorm: What Happened and What It Taught Ham Radio
The May 10–13, 2024 G5 geomagnetic storm was the strongest since 2003. A complete timeline, AR 3664 analysis, and radio impact lessons for every HF operator.
beginnerKp Index and Aurora: What Level Do You Need to See the Northern Lights?
The Kp index measures geomagnetic storm intensity on a 0–9 scale. Learn which Kp level produces aurora at your latitude, and how high Kp affects HF propagation.
intermediateGeomagnetic vs. Geographic Latitude: Why Aurora Reaches Further in Some Regions
Earth's magnetic pole is offset from geographic north, making aurora visible further south in eastern North America than Europe at the same geographic latitude.
beginnerAurora Viewing Guide for Ham Radio Operators: Best Locations, Times, and Tools
When to look, what Kp you need by latitude, camera settings, and how to run VHF aurora scatter while watching the lights. Live aurora oval from NOAA OVATION.
advancedAurora Scatter on VHF: How to Work 6m and 2m DX During Geomagnetic Storms
Aurora scatter enables 500–2,000 km contacts on 6m and 2m during Kp5+ storms. Learn the signal characteristics, operating technique, and geometry to work it effectively.
intermediateAurora and Radio Blackouts: How Geomagnetic Storms Kill HF and Open VHF
Geomagnetic storms degrade HF via D-layer absorption while opening 6m and 2m aurora scatter. Operating strategy, Kp thresholds, and post-storm recovery explained.
intermediateAurora and Ham Radio: HF Disruption and VHF Opportunity
How geomagnetic storms kill HF propagation and open 6m aurora scatter. Kp thresholds, latitude effects, and live aurora conditions for amateur radio.
beginnerAurora Photography for Ham Radio Operators: Camera Tips and Radio Monitoring Combined
Camera settings, timing, and color physics for aurora photography — combined with 6m aurora scatter monitoring for the ultimate geomagnetic storm outing.